4 Summer mountain lifts bring you up to lofty heights in the Alpbachtal and Wildschönau

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Project: Schatzbergbahn NEW

NEW SCHATZBERGBAHN WILDSCHÖNAU SITE JOURNAL

Project: Schatzbergbahn NEW

During Summer 2017 the Schatzbergbahn will undergo modernisation work, thus becoming a new, modern 8-seater gondola lift. As from December the new lift will bring guests from Auffach up the Schatzberg faster, with added comfort and without queues.

Following the merger with the Alpbachtal ski area five years ago the Wildschönauer Bergbahnen are upgrading their infrastructure with a new 8-seater gondola. Guests will be able to reach the Schatzberg from Auffach faster, with added comfort and without long queues.

Renovation work started mid-May. A new modern mono-cable 8-seater gondola running along the same lift line will replace the existing 4-seater gondola.

The new lifts transportation capacity of 2.650 persons per hour surpasses the previous gondolas hourly capacity of 1.600 persons. Furthermore the new lift will take a mere 13 minutes to complete the 912 metres elevation from Auffach onto the Schatzberg. The new Schatzbergbahn will cover six metres per second. Of course, the new Doppelmayr lift fulfils all the necessary modern and crucial requirements of today. Access for wheelchair users will therefore be barrier free.

Into the season faster - and up to date
Work on the new Schatzbergbahn will take until mid-November. Costs for the new lift amount to approx. 18 million Euros. Included in the costs are renovation work to the buildings of the three lift stations. Long queues are a thing of the past.

NEW 8-SEATER SCHATZBERGBAHN FACTS

5TH DECEMBER 2017: OPENING SOON!

On the 8th December the new Schatzbergbahn in Auffach - with over 4000m length one of Austria’s longest monocable ropeways – will start operation. Guests will then be able to reach the Schatzberg from Auffach faster, with added comfort and without long queues.

The Wildschönau is celebrating two jubilees. Exactly 70 years ago the Tyrol’s first chair lift - erected during Sepp Hochmut’s era – started taking visitors up the Markbachjoch and the Schatzbergbahn will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. In the meantime the two enterprises have merged and are run by Arnd Krogman and Ludwig Schäffer.

Renovation work on the Schatzbergbahn started in mid-May. Following the existent line a brand new 8-seater gondola monocable ropeway has replaced the former 4-seater version offering up-to-date comfort requirements. The new lifts transportation capacity of 2.650 persons per hour surpasses the previous gondolas hourly capacity of 1.600 persons. Furthermore the new lift will take a mere 13 minutes to complete the 912 metres elevation from Auffach onto the Schatzberg.

The new Schatzbergbahn will cover six metres per second. Of course, the new Doppelmayr lift fulfils all the necessary modern and crucial requirements of today. Access for wheelchair users will make it barrier free.

Renovation work on the Schatzbergbahn lasted until the end of November. In the meantime the lift underwent a week of routine checks by the relevant authorities. Following all the necessary inspections one hopes for a speedy and positive operating licence for the new lift. The total expense of approx. 18 million Euros also includes the costs for the conversion of existing and building of new lift stations.

The Ski Juwel’s slopes appeal to all kinds of Winter sports lovers whether they are the athletically fast-paced type or simple connoisseurs. The best “snow makers” by near and far ensure that all slopes in the Wildschönau are in prime condition.

Following an active day skiing or snowboarding one can replenish spent energy with a regional speciality served at one of the mountain huts – the newly renovated Schatzbergalm, the Gipföhit or the ski hut at the connecting lift coming up from Alpbach. Party-goers can live it up at the après ski party in the Gruttenstadl.

14TH NOVEMBER 2017: TEST RUN & BRAKE TEST FOR THE NEW LIFT

During the test run the Wildschönauer Bergbahnen new showpiece undergoes thorough step by step examination of its various functions – under full load. That entails filling the gondolas with large water cisterns weighing to simulate the weight of eight people.

The procedure takes several days. Both brakes and drive are stringently and extensively tested. The test run folIows all these necessary examinations. Each new cableway must complete a certain amount of hours of operation without passengers before it is allowed to carry people. At the end of November approval from the BMVIT (Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology) in Vienna was granted.

11TH NOVEMBER 2017: THE 2017/18 SKIING SEASON STARTS IN 26 DAYS

The 2017/18 skiing season in the “Ski Juwel” will start on 8th December - that is in exactly 26 days. At an on-site inspection on the Schatzberg today one took the opportunity to give the new system a trial run under Firma Doppelmayr staff supervision. It took a mere 12 minutes to reach the Schatzberg, a fully new dimension regarding travel speed.

The brand new shiny red gondolas silently float up the mountain. While the valley is covered by a blanket of fog the Schatzberg is glistening proudly. The first ski touring tracks can be seen in the snow and skiers are looking forward to the coming Winter season.

At the bottom station the motto is full steam ahead. Doppelmayr engineers and Firma Stadler electricians are working hard on the last details. The thick glass front is being put in place while master carpenter Sebastian Klingler makes sure that everything is in order. One can sense the pressure is on for the men when one of them says: “The snow could have taken its time, but this is what it’s like in the mountains”.

Brake testing is scheduled for the end of the week, a delicate, tough job that puts all mechanisms under duress. Next week one hopes for positive approval from the authorities who will check the entire facility thoroughly.

24TH OCTOBER 2017: WINTER IS ALREADY KNOCKING AT THE DOOR…

Winter has returned to the Schatzberg, no matter for concern for those in charge of the project. Apart from the top station wall cladding everything else is done. Firma Doppelmayr engineers will start their work on the electronic fine tuning of the state-of-the-art facility.

The Doppelmayr/Garaventa detachable gondola lift is one of the most successful monocable systems worldwide. The new Schatzbergbahn will soon carry 8 persons / gondola aboard Doppelmayr/Garaventa detachable gondolas up the mountain - safely, faster and with added comfort.

Modern design and safely components and top-notch steel parts guarantee for an attractive appearance, utmost safety standards and a maximum of customer benefits. Thanks to the gondolas all-round glass walls travelers are treated to panoramic views – experiencing nature close up.

The new gondola lift has many advantages. Thanks to the barrier free construction layout prams/buggies, wheelchairs or bulkier Winter sports equipment have easy access.

In the stations the gondolas are attached to the haul rope with detachable grips for safe and easy loading and unloading. Travel speed is approx. 6 m/sec. “There is no comparison between today’s technology and the facilities of the past” says assistant site manager Othmar Weißbacher, who is busying himself with the new digital electrical circuits. A host of details can now be controlled and monitored, ensuring the highest levels of safety.

Work on the exterior fittings is in full swing. One wants to get as much done as possible before the opening on 7th December.

19TH OCTOBER 2017: AS OF FRIDAY ALL 142 GONDOLAS WILL BE FIXED TO THE ROPE

Work on the new Schatzbergbahn is moving at a rapid pace. „Time wise, we are well on track.“ says Ludwig Schäffer, „everything will be ready according to schedule“ states the lift company managing director. At present Firma Doppelmayr together with Schatzbergbahn staff are busy attaching the new 8-seater gondolas, one every 10 minutes. The new Schatzbergbahn in Auffach - with over 4000m length one of Austria’s longest monocable ropeways. The new lifts transportation capacity will be 2.600 persons per hour thus making long queues a thing of the past.

The new lift has cost the Wildschönauer Bergbahnen approx. 18 mi. Euro. The new lift brings added comfort and faster accessibility to the Wildschönau / Alpbachtal ski area. The last work can be finalized on Friday. The majority of the gondolas will be housed in the top station, which is technically ready. In approx. 50 days the ski lift will start operation.

On 8th December 2017 the new Schatzbergbahn will start official operation for the first time.

4TH OCTOBER 2017: GONDOLA ASSEMBLY WORK HAS STARTED

Since the beginning of the week Firma Doppelmayr engineers and Schatzbergbahn staff have been busy assembling the gondolas. A total of 142 gondolas have to be fitted with detachable grips, which will eventually attach the heavy gondolas to the haul rope.

All men involved are trained experts, for who this job has become a routine. Nevertheless each work step is thoroughly checked, nothing must be left unchecked. Each move is meticulously supervised by Roland who works for Doppelmayr.

The haul rope is operating on emergency drive. On Friday Tiwag (the Tyrol’s electric utility company) will deliver high voltage current for the facility. Over the coming days we will report back with updates and technical details.

20TH SEPTEMBER 2017: The 100 ton heavy haul rope is in place

Auffach Schatzbergbahn bottom station - 11.00 a.m.: the 100 ton heavy haul rope slowly approaches the sheave wheels at in-line tower II above the bottom station and gave an impressive view of the huge span between in-line tower II and III.

„The last days the entire team worked very hard despite the bad weather.“ says the Fatzer technician Hubert Wimpissinger from the Ziller Valley.

Atop the Schatzberg snow has fallen. “The snow poses no problem.“ reports construction supervisor Simon Seisl. The majority of the technical equipment is already in place and the roof has been put up.

Today we can wrap up the main technical works at the top station. As from Thursday Doppelmayr technicians will continue their work down at the bottom station, where they will catch up on the assembly of the station building.

„We’re sure we’ll be in for some good autumnal weather“ Simon Seisl says optimistically.

14TH SEPTEMBER 2017: HAUL ROPE SPLICING – RUNNING AT FULL SPEED

Slowly but surely the 18-million-Euro Schatzbergbahn project is nearing completion. Mounting and technical installation work is continuing at the top and middle stations. The bottom station building will be erected in the coming days and work can begin on ropeway technology precision work.

Splicing the over 100 ton heavy and approx. 9 km long haul rope involves forming a semi-permanent joint over 70m length between two parts of the rope by partly untwisting and then interweaving their strands. The procedure takes approx. two days and is performed by specialists from the Fatzer Company under the direction of Hubert Wimpissinger. 10 men will join them at work.

Today the first of the 142 gondola arrived in Auffach. A total of 21 trips from Olten in Switzerland - 428 km away - will be required to deliver all the gondolas.

30TH AUGUST 2017: THE HAUL ROPE HAS ARRIVED AND IS BEING MOUNTED

The Schatzberg is alive with intense activity. Every day more and more progress is made – so far so good. Atop the Schatzberg this Indian Summer has seen its first snowfall, an undeniable sign of the approaching Winter.

The snow poses no problem, everything is on schedule. If absolutely necessary everybody is prepared to work an extra shift. The drive terminal is in place and work will start at the bottom station next week.

On Friday the first cable drum with the 100 ton heavy haul rope was delivered by Fatzer. Next week the splice will arrive. Starting on 14th September transport of the new cabins will start.

29TH AUGUST 2017: THE HALL AT THE TOP STATION STANDS

Fa. Doppelmayr technicians are busy working on the new Schatzbergbahn in Auffach. The company from Vorarlberg is concentrating hard on the setting up the new aerial lift, which will start operating at the beginning of December.

The entire drive terminal technology including driving position is already in place at the Schatzberg top station. The station structure, where half the cabins will be parked is completed.

Along the track work is running according to plan. This coming Thursday, when the 90 ton heavy haul rope will be delivered is an important day. Due to its weight the rope will need to be distributed over two special transporters.

Overall everybody is happy at the progress that has been made and hopes that an Indian Summer lies ahead so that the lift can go into operation on schedule.

24TH AUGUST 2017: THE 2017/18 WINTER SEASON STARTS IN 106 DAYS

Another 106 days remain before the new lift with its 142 gondolas goes into operation. Yesterday the last of the brand new Omega IV cabins was packed ready for transport in Olten in Switzerland. We were there and were able to glean a host of information about CWA and the OMEGA IV gondolas.

The gondola series OMEGA by CWA, which will be used on the Schatzberg lift is one of the worldwide most successful gondolas. This fourth generation lift cabin form is the most popular In 60 countries worldwide.

Rides in these CWA OMEGA IV cabins is safe, comfortable and fast. CWA guarantees utmost safety and maximum benefits for the customer through the timeless design, innovative safety components and top manufacturing quality.

Afore mentioned points were decisive criteria for those in charge at the lift company to buy this particular cabin type. Decade long cooperation between CWA, Doppelmayr and the Wildschönauer Bergbahnen contributed significantly in the decision-making.

10TH AUGUST 2017: START OF FA. DOPPELMAYR ASSEMBLY WORK

Progress was made in quick succession: Doppelmayr assembly work started at the new Schatzberg top station with the process of putting modern cable technology together. This week the drive terminal, bull wheel, track ropes, feeders and other parts were put in place.

Next week steel construction work for the terminal will start and technical installations will be put in place at the middle station with. “We’re lucky, the weather is in our favour”, construction supervisor Simon Seisl, who races from construction site to construction site to keep an eye on everything, remarks.

The work along the lift line is running to schedule. The entire cable systems - there are unbelievable many - need to be installed.

31ST JULY 2017: GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FROM ALL INVOLVED

The assembly of the new Schatzbergbahn supports was a great achievement of all those involved. Christian Brantner and his team, who flew the huge Heliswiss transport helicopter, the Firma Doppelmayr assembly workers and the lift company staff did a tremendous job.

Following an early morning start Brantner landed the 7 ton heavy Kamov Ka-32 near the middle station shortly after 7:00 a.m. The security personnel made sure everybody was aware of the safety rules and at 8:30 a.m. the first parts were flown up the Schatzberg.

Everything ran like clockwork and after five hours the work was completed. Both the lift company and the Heliswiss crew were all praise for the great work input of all involved.

27TH JULY 2017: NOT EVEN HEAVY RAIN COULD DAMPEN THE SPIRITS

The last days at the new Schatzberg construction site were anything but pleasant. Nevertheless, the lift, the Firma Doppelmayr and Firma Bodner workers remained fully motivated.

With a bit of humour and putting on a good face they presented a brave front.

Firma Doppelmayr head of construction Thomas is full of praise for the lift company workers, “it’s a joy to work with these qualified men”. Roland, Doppelmayr assembly technician is perfectly content. Next week assembly work on the top and middle station can go ahead.

Tomorrow, Friday a huge Kamov-transport helicopter will be flying delivery flights and many areas along their route will need to be closed for safety reasons. Please take utmost care and follow security personnel’s instructions
The bottom station in Auffach is a good vantage point for watching the heavy parts being flown to their destinations.

20TH JULY 2017: ASSEMBLING THE SUPPORTS - IN FULL SWING

Assembling the supports for the new Schatzbergbahn has begun. The Doppelmayr company makes sure no time is lost, a deadline needs to be met. Full speed ahead is the motto when it comes to assembling and erecting the supports at the bottom station and at Koglmoos.

If everything goes according to plan then it will take approx. one week to put the first supports in place. The majority will be flown in by Kamov KA 32 A12 helicopters flown by pilots from Heli Swiss in Küsnacht, Otti Weißbacher – second in command of construction supervision - explains.

Work along the lift line done by Firma Fröschl is also in full swing. At present approx. 60 men are busy working on the new Schatzbergbahn building site, says construction supervisor Simon Seisl.

11TH JULY 2017: SCHATZBERGBAHN – FULL SPEED AHEAD

It’s full speed ahead for the new Schatzbergbahn. Any delays resulting from the late building negotiations have been nearly completely recovered. To be sure to be ready in time the workers are busy on Saturdays, too.

Near daily, technical equipment and construction components are brought to the site by Doppelmayr from Vorarlberg. The Bodner company also deliver building materials to Auffach non-stop.

The next weeks are crucial, in 22 weeks the new infrastructure will see in the start of the Winter season. Until then there is still a lot to do, those in charge are confident that they will meet the target.